The art of Dancing called by the Ancient Greeks Orchestice, and
Orchestis, is a commendable and rare Quality fit for your Gentlemen, if
opportunely and civilly used. And Plato, that Famous Philosopher thought
it meet, that yong Ingenious Children be taught to Dance. It is a quality that
has been formerly honoured in the Courts of Princes, when performed by the most
Noble Heroes of the Times! The Gentlemen of the Inns of Court, whose
sweet and ayry Activity has crowned their Grand Solemnities with Admiration to
all Spectators. This Art has been Anciently handled by Athenaeus, Julius,
Pollux, Caelius Rhodiginus, and others, and much commend it to be Excellent
for Recreation, after more serious Studies, making the body active and strong,
gracefull in deportment, and a quality very much beseeming a Gentleman. Yet all
this should not have been an Incitement to me for Publication of this Worke
(knowing these Times and the Nature of it do not agree) But that there was a
false and surrepticious Copy at the Printing Presse, which if it had been
published, would have been a disparagement to the quality and the Professors
thereof, and a hinderance to the Learner: Therefore for prevention of all
which, having an excellent Copy by me, and gentle censure of all ingenious
Gentlemen lovers of this Quallity; not doubting but their goodnes will pardon
what may be amiss, and accept of the honest Intention of him that is a
faithfull honourer of your Virtues, and